The imaginative old gentleman suddenly vanished from the scene.
He did not relish the presence of such a witness as this.
"This is Mr. Mole's prisoner," said Jefferson, laughing; "you see he has brought in one, after all."
"I bring you something better even then prisoners," said the detective.
"What is that?"
"Good news."
"Speak; what is it?"
"The brigands have given up Hunston."
Harkaway started at the words.
"That is news, indeed," he said; "and now justice demands that the villain shall speedily hang."